ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - (May 21, 2011) Military personnel and their families as well as the public are invited to a Summer of Paddling 2012 event on Thursday, June 7 from 1-4 p.m., at Sylvan Slough on the grounds of the Moline Rowing Club in Moline, Ill. Participants will learn paddling techniques and have an opportunity to kayak or canoe in Sylvan Slough, a backwater area of the Mississippi River.
Beginning at 1 p.m. speakers from the Department of Interior, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Izaak Walton League and River Action will describe their roles in the broad partnership involved with the Summer of Paddling and express their support for paddling as a mode of experiencing America’s Great Outdoors.
Inexperienced paddlers are invited to try paddling with instruction by trip leaders to learn effective paddling techniques and proper safety. River biologists will also be available to identify plants, animals and other features of the river.
To register for the event, call Jovita at 309-794-5505 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. or email jovita.a.martin@usace.army.mil. To learn more about the Summer of Paddling visit www.SOP2012.org.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Summer of Paddling 2012 is a series of events designed to get Americans outside to enjoy the Mississippi River via canoe, kayak or other paddle craft, and take part in a summer full of paddling events on and near the river.
Paddlers of any level can take part in events. Experienced paddlers from a variety of conservation agencies, not-for-profit organizations and adventure guide services will lead participants through backwaters, bayous and braided streams of the Mississippi River.
All events are listed on the website at www.SOP2012.org. Register for events by contacting the host listed on each events description.
The Summer of Paddling 2012 is aligned with the Presidential Initiative America’s Great Outdoors, encouraging people to be active and get outside to experience nature.
For more information about the Summer of Paddling, call Sue Clevenstine at 309-794-5839 or email info@SOP2012.org.